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Oct 20, 2006

Off Trail In The Dark

At the end of the season I love to look back at all the adventures I had this year. Here is an example of bad judgement on my part, a story I have not told before.
Read James E. Ratzloff's Blog

I am an avid backpacker who understands that the best of this life is found by following a rocky trail up high into Colorado and Wyoming Rockies, to set up camp in a glacial basin at the edge of timberline, with a cirque of mountain peaks above me and a trout-filled blue lake before me.

When down in the city I spend Saturday nights at a country western dance hall, keeping the two-step beat and twirling as many beautiful and smiling ladies as I can.

Beyond that I take walks with my two border collies, or ride in my truck with my two border collies, pretty much planning and dreaming about our next trip to the mountains.

I have backpacked for many years, and have lots to say about destinations and gear, and the spirit-renewing nature of wilderness travel.

I also volunteer for two nature centers, leading nature walks for schoolchildren and their teachers, which gives me an opportunity to share my love and passion for nature and the outdoors. I might actually make this world a little better for having walked through it, by teaching young people about how wonderful nature and wilderness is, and how we must care for this earth.